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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Update:Anyone wishing to make a donation to Bryan Lawrence and his family can do so at any SunTrust Bank Branch. The Roanoke City Police Association has an account set up on his behalf. The name on the account is "RCPA Bryan Lawrence Fund". All money collected will be forwarded to his family to assist in his expenses.

As most of you all know, Roanoke City Police Officer Bryan Lawrence was brutally attacked while trying to make an arrest the other day. Officer Lawrence is still in the hospital and his family and the Roanoke Police Department have not released much information about his condition. I have been in contact with their association's President and assured him that Roanoke's Bravest were here to help in their time of need. I have been told that they are working on creating a fund we will be able to donate to. I will post the information as soon as I get it. Until then, please keep Officer Lawrence, his family, and his brothers and sisters on the Roanoke Police Department in your prayers.

9 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Any guess what would've happened if there were plenty of Firefighters and cops on the street? Maybe he wouldn't be hurt, the scum bags would be.... or at least arrested without incident, and Lawrence would be home safe and sound. Budget gets another man. Get used to this kind of story.

During this bad time, lets remember what is important most; Family and friends. Lets try not to point fingers in the wrong direction. We have to look after each other. We know there is going to be times when we are short handed. So lets be safe. Pray for him and his family. McFall

I heard he was actually working off-duty for a local business and either witnessed the commotion or someone got his attention. Either way he got into it and wasn't even officially working for the city. That's dedication.

If the PD were fully staffed, another officer might have been available to get there in the same amount of time, or sooner, than Officer Lawrence did, making the pursuit safer. The fact is that when the Police Department, and the Fire Department, are understaffed and doing more with less help, then things like this are going to happen. The City Management and the Chiefs need to realize that incidents like this are on their hands, as they have made the decisions that have put city employees in danger. They like to think that they could have done nothing to avoid this, but that is where they are wrong. They could have helped out, but refused to for the almighty dollar.

Get well soon, Officer Lawrence. The Firefighters are pulling for your recovery.

You are right about the failures of city administration but let's not let the political statement be our first statement. The most important thing here is to pray for this police officer and his family. Any Officer or Firefighter that is injured while trying to serve the public good is an injury to us all. We do take it personal as we share a certain brotherhood. My sympathies and best wishes go out to him and his family and hope for his recovery. ghost

I spoke to several offiers yesterday who said that they will flying Officer Lawrence to Atlanta, GA on Sunday where he will spend six weeks at a facility that is the best in the country for neck/spinal/paralysis injuries. Everyone keep him in your prayers and remember to give your best donation to help he and his family in this tragic time.

There will be a benefit concert for Officer Lawrence Monday, June 8th at Blue 5 Restaurant in Downtown Roanoke. It will begin at 6pm. Sol Revolt will be playing and there will be a $10 cover which will go to the Lawrence family. Please drop by and show your support.

About the Author

Rhett Fleitz is a Lieutenant with the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department in the City of Roanoke, Virginia. He is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local #1132. Rhett is currently continuing historical research and data collection after the Late Captain Wiseman. In 2006, he completed his first book, "Firefighting in Roanoke", a pictorial look at the history of the Fire Service in the City of Roanoke.

"Firefighting in Roanoke" is available online or you can purchase it in Roanoke at The Roanoke Antique Mall, The Transportation Museum, or the Williamson Road Pharmacy.

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